Morocco’s Tanger Med port reinforces its global logistics significance
The port sits on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes and is showing steady growth as a major logistics hub.
RETAIL STRATEGY
Namibia’s Model Foods supermarket chain unveils new retail technology
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Self-service checkout system and robotic assistant to help customers navigate store installed at revamped flagship outlet in Windhoek.
Namibia’s Model Foods supermarket chain has introduced what is believed to be the country’s first self-service checkout system at its new Auas Valley store in Windhoek.
There are four self-checkout points that allow customers to scan and pay for their items without waiting in long queues. This is in addition to the usual cashier-manned checkout points.
Other customer-service technology being trialled by Model Foods at the new store includes a robotic assistant to help customers navigate the store and locate products.
The company intends to roll out these and other technologies to additional outlets in Namibia as it continues to upgrade its stores following its transition from being a Pick n Pay franchise operation.
Ohlthaver & List (O&L), the local business group that owns Model Foods, severed its long-standing relationship with South African-based Pick n Pay from 1 July 2025, instead opting to create its own Namibia-focused supermarket chain.
The Vice President of Namibia, Lucia Witbooi, opens the revamped Auas Valley store
Testing all new technologies out
“The robotic assistant is programmed to help customers locate products and provide information, a first for Namibian retail. Here we’re testing all new technologies out,” said Ohlthaver & List’s Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme, during an opening ceremony at the Auas Valley store. He added that the self-checkout system is “working very well”.
According to a press statement, the Auas Valley flagship store is the first location to be transformed as part of the transition to the Model Foods brand.
“Over the next years, all Model stores will be upgraded to deliver the same elevated experience, with Swakopmund and Oshakati confirmed as the next stores to undergo transformation,” the statement says.
This is a return to its roots, as O&L first began trading as Model Supermarkets in the 1960s before it later switched to the then-thriving Pick n Pay brand as the local franchisee.
The upgraded Auas Valley store was officially opened by the Vice President of Namibia, Lucia Witbooi.
Brand gives grumpy motorists facing a parking fine reason to smile
Your car’s been wheel clamped and you must pay a fine to get it released. Irish brand Paddy Power somehow turned it into a moment of fun.
Publicis Groupe Africa appoints Jarred Trembath to lead Influential
He brings extensive professional experience spanning media strategy, activation and content management to new role.
IAB discusses the problem with AI visibility measurement tools
New standardised set of measurement guidelines released for tracking brand and publisher visibility in AI-powered search platforms.
Ethiopia’s marketers discuss the changing world of digital advertising
Ethiopian Marketing Professionals Association hosts Addis Ababa event discussing artificial intelligence and its impact.
Egyptian confectionary company rolls out its African export strategy
MO Group identifies South Africa, Somalia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Madagascar as target markets under its African expansion plan.
AMC Conference: Exploring the Influence of AI and Afcfta on African Marketing
Discover announced speakers and essential news for the upcoming AMC Conference. Delegate payments are now live – read the latest articles and register.
PRCA Africa NextGen announces Lerato Motloung as its new Chair
Body for emerging public relations and communications professionals across Africa also has a new Vice Chair and committee member.
More improvements for vital Port of Maputo regional trade gateway
Aim is to create a smarter, more connected and efficient port ecosystem that will make Maputo a strategic gateway for trade.
Research gives a new perspective on evoking nostalgia in marketing
Framework aims to help marketers and brand managers know they’re making the right decisions when banking on nostalgia.
LinkedIn moves to reduce the ‘AI slop’ filling the platform
Digital marketers relying on content generated by artificial intelligence are seeing prominent online platforms fighting back.
